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Richard's news was better than expected. He’d been searching for architects who were eager to pour their talent into a start-up green design firm, and had managed to narrow the pool down to six candidates. Will was anxious to get the ball rolling but knew it would be at least another month before they whittled down the number.
They went over some other business regarding a couple of properties that Richard believed had some potential for RJD, then ended the conference portion of the call. It was nearing twelve thirty, but the cousins stayed on the phone to quickly catch up.
“How's the West Coast treating you?” Will asked.
“Pretty well. I manage to keep myself occupied.”
Will gave a short laugh. Richard had been in California for about four years now, and Will knewexactlyhow he was keeping himself occupied. “I’m sure you're enjoying yourself. Just keep your head on straight, okay?”
“No worries, Cuz. How about you? Still living the life of a monk, or have you finally given in to Caroline Bingley's persuasive ways?”
“I would always choose the life of a monk over Caroline. And compared to you,everyonelooks like a monk.” Will glanced at his watch. “Charles is on his way up for lunch, so I have to get going. Call me if anything else develops, and send me the specs on the two properties you're looking at. Can you forward me the résumés of the six architects as well?”
“I'll send everything.”
“Great. I'll check in with you next week.”
Ten minutes later, Charles strode into Will’s office with a bag of Thai takeout. “Eleanor has just given me an alarming report.”
Will glanced toward the door of his office with a frown. “What’s going on?”
“She says you’re in a very good mood. Teasing? Whistling? Definitely sounds suspicious.”
“Very funny. Close the door, I'm starving. Let's eat.”
They sat at the long table in Will’s office and discussed business while they ate. Will told Charles about his conversation with Richard, but what hereallywanted was to talk about Elizabeth. He’d spoken to Georgiana about her, but he wanted to confide in his best friend.
They grew quiet as talk of business wound down and they enjoyed the rest of their meal. When Will was finished, he sat back in his chair and laced his fingers behind his head.
“How's your angel?”
Charles smiled. “She’s fine. It’s crazy how well we get along. She's the whole package.”
Will nodded. “I'm glad. I don’t know her very well, but she seems great.”
Charles eyed him for a long moment. “Are you all right?”
“Yes, why?”
“You’re being nice. I’m used to you giving me shit about how whipped I am.”
Will cleared his throat. “There's something else I wanted to talk to you about. Something personal.”
“Oh. Okay. What's up?”
“Don’t look so nervous, it's something good. At least, I think it's good. Um, Elizabeth and I went on a date this week.”
Charles's eyebrows rose. “Elizabeth...Bennet? Jane’s sister?”
Will nodded.
“You and Lizzy went on a date?”
“Yes. Monday night, actually.”
Charles nodded a few times. “You…you look pretty pleased with yourself.”
“I am.”
